News

The University of Nigeria (UNN) has joined UNCTAD's Virtual Institute, as the thirty-ninth core university member, bringing the number of countries represented in the Virtual Institute to 13 in Africa and 42 worldwide.

Improving infrastructure, making the tax system "friendlier" for small businesses, and taking advantage of Djibouti's geographical location were among topics reviewed as officials considered how to boost foreign investment.

On 18 December 2012, the General Assembly added South Sudan to the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). LDC status was established in 1971, under the auspices of UNCTAD, as a vehicle for international attention to the most structurally disadvantaged countries.

Migration and economic development specialists have told the Trade and Development Board that millions of emigrants from the least developed countries (LDCs) can and should be engaged in advancing progress in their home nations.

UNCTAD's Least Developed Countries Report 2012 analyses the impact of remittances sent to the least developed countries (LDCs), and the effect of "brain drain" from LDCs, and looks at the potential benefits that the very wide LDC diaspora may have for home countries.

The Least Developed Countries Report 2012 focuses on how the world’s poorest countries can benefit further from the billions of dollars their ex-patriots send home from jobs overseas – and on how to counteract “brain drain.”

Following debate this week on the situation of the least developed countries (LDCs), the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board called for LDCs and their development partners to focus on steps leading to durable economic growth.

Africa has a bright future for attracting investment, but must use the opportunity to boost industry and improve infrastructure, H.E. Mr. Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa told the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board today during the Board's discussions under its agenda item on "Investment for Development."